The Director-General of NOA, Lanre Issa-Onilu, made this appeal in Lokoja during the North Central Zonal Campus Debate Series 2025, themed *“Unity in Diversity: Defining Nigerian Identity in a Multicultural Society.”*

Represented by the North Central Zonal Director, Dr. Priscilla Gondoalour, Issa-Onilu explained that the debate was not just a contest but a tool for civic engagement. He said, *“The debate series has a three-tier format, with institutions across the 36 states and FCT submitting video entries that are screened based on evaluative criteria. The winning institutions advance to the national stage, which will take place in Abuja during Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary celebrations. The final will be hosted at the Presidential Villa, where President Bola Tinubu will unveil the National Value Charter to celebrate the voices of the youths.”*

He also highlighted that the agency had created platforms to ensure youths’ voices are heard, while praising zonal and state directors, facilitators, and stakeholders for their support of the debate initiative nationwide.

The Kogi State Director of NOA, Patrick Edogbanya, applauded the active participation of students, lecturers, traditional rulers, and organizations, noting that the program was a testament to NOA’s commitment to empowering young people and promoting national identity.

In their goodwill messages, the Chairman of Jama’atu Nasiru Islam, Usman Bello, and the Estu Adankolo, David Agbayi, commended the agency for driving unity in diversity through innovative programs.

Miss Gift Adejoh of the Federal University, Lokoja, who emerged as the winner of the zonal contest, received a certificate for her outstanding performance. She expressed appreciation to NOA, saying, “This initiative will go a long way in helping Nigerian youths uphold the values of unity and patriotism.